The Grand Canadian Rockies Fly-Drive

Approximate distance: 130 km / 81 miles

Leave Calgary and watch the foothills gradually rise into the Canadian Rockies. The journey to Banff is relatively short, giving you plenty of time to make stops along the way.

After checking in, explore Banff Avenue, visit Bow Falls or drive to one of the viewpoints overlooking the town. Canmore may also be selected as your base and offers beautiful mountain scenery just outside Banff National Park.

Overnight: Banff or Canmore

Spend a complete day discovering Banff and its surroundings. Ride the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, follow one of the walking trails or enjoy the views from the Banff Upper Hot Springs.

You could also drive the scenic Lake Minnewanka Loop, stopping at Cascade Ponds, Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka. Keep watch for elk, deer and other wildlife, particularly in the early morning and evening.

Overnight: Banff or Canmore

Today is dedicated to two of Canada’s most celebrated mountain landscapes. Visit Lake Louise, surrounded by forested slopes, glaciers and the peaks of the Canadian Rockies.

When seasonal access permits, continue to Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Private vehicles are generally not permitted on the Moraine Lake Road, so advance shuttle reservations may be required.

You can return to Banff along the Trans-Canada Highway or take the slower Bow Valley Parkway when open.

Overnight: Banff or Canmore

Approximate distance: 290 km / 180 miles

Today you drive one of the world’s great scenic roads. Follow the Icefields Parkway north through a landscape of glaciers, mountain lakes, forests and waterfalls.

Recommended stops include Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, the Columbia Icefield, Sunwapta Falls and Athabasca Falls. Allow most of the day for this journey—the attraction is the drive itself, and you will want to stop frequently.

Arrive in Jasper during the late afternoon or early evening.

Overnight: Jasper

Enjoy a full day in Jasper National Park. Visit Maligne Canyon and continue along the Maligne Lake Road, watching for wildlife along the way. At Maligne Lake, you can walk beside the water or take an optional cruise toward Spirit Island.

Alternatively, ride the Jasper SkyTram, visit Pyramid and Patricia lakes or enjoy one of the area’s many hiking trails.

Overnight: Jasper

A third night in Jasper gives you time to experience the park without rushing. Consider visiting the Miette Hot Springs when open, exploring the quieter roads around the Athabasca Valley or taking a gentle rafting excursion.

You may also simply enjoy Jasper’s relaxed mountain-town atmosphere. Wildlife is frequently seen around the town, but always maintain a safe distance and follow park regulations.

Overnight: Jasper

Approximate distance: 320 km / 199 miles

Travel west from Jasper and cross into British Columbia. Pass beneath Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, where you may wish to stop at the visitor center or one of the roadside viewpoints.

Continue through the mountain valleys toward Clearwater, the gateway to Wells Gray Provincial Park. The changing scenery makes this a particularly enjoyable driving day.

Overnight: Clearwater

Approximate distance: 125 km / 78 miles, excluding park sightseeing

Spend the morning exploring Wells Gray Provincial Park, famous for its wilderness and waterfalls. The principal attraction is Helmcken Falls, which plunges dramatically into a deep canyon. Dawson Falls and Spahats Falls are also worthwhile stops.

After exploring the park, continue south along the North Thompson River to Kamloops. The landscape gradually changes from dense mountain forest to the drier hills of British Columbia’s interior.

Overnight: Kamloops

Approximate distance: 215 km / 134 miles

Drive east through the Shuswap region, known for its extensive lake system and forested shoreline. Salmon Arm makes a pleasant place to stop for lunch or a walk beside the water.

Continue toward Revelstoke, surrounded by the Selkirk and Monashee mountains. After arrival, explore the historic center or visit the Revelstoke Railway Museum.

Overnight: Revelstoke

Enjoy a complete day around Revelstoke. During the summer season, drive the Meadows in the Sky Parkway toward the summit area of Mount Revelstoke National Park. Numerous viewpoints and trails offer magnificent mountain panoramas.

You can also visit nearby waterfalls, walk sections of the Giant Cedars Boardwalk when accessible or explore the surrounding lakes and valleys.

Overnight: Revelstoke

Approximate distance: 150 km / 93 miles

Continue east through the dramatic mountain scenery of Glacier National Park and Rogers Pass. Stop at the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre to learn about the railway, avalanches and the challenges of crossing these mountains.

Proceed to Golden, an outdoor-adventure town at the meeting point of the Columbia and Kicking Horse rivers.

Overnight: Golden

Use today to explore Yoho National Park. Highlights include Emerald Lake, the Natural Bridge and the viewpoints overlooking the Kicking Horse Valley.

Takakkaw Falls is another outstanding seasonal attraction, although access depends on road and weather conditions. Alternatively, remain closer to Golden and ride the mountain gondola or visit the Golden Skybridge as an optional excursion.

Overnight: Golden

Approximate distance: 265 km / 165 miles

Begin your return journey through the Rockies, passing Lake Louise and Banff once again. Stop at any places you missed earlier or enjoy lunch surrounded by the mountains.

Continue east toward Calgary and check in for your final night. Celebrate the end of your Canadian adventure with dinner in the city.

Overnight: Calgary